AVS 47th International Symposium
    Biomaterial Interfaces Monday Sessions
       Session BI+MC-MoA

Paper BI+MC-MoA4
Characterization of Surface Modified Microporous PTFE Biomembranes using Surface Charge, Topography and Chemistry Studies

Monday, October 2, 2000, 3:00 pm, Room 202

Session: Characterization of Biomaterial Interfaces
Presenter: I.D. Baikie, Robert Gordon University, UK
Authors: I.D. Baikie, Robert Gordon University, UK
B. Lägel, Robert Gordon University, UK
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Functionalised microporous PTFE membranes have many applications involving cell growth and adhesion such as skin grafting and cell scaffolds. Key factors in promoting cell growth are the chemistry and topography of the surface, however a much overlooked surface parameter is that of surface charge. Using a multitip scanning kelvin probe (SKP)@footnote 1@ we have performed surface potential/charge topographies of bare and surface modified bio-membranes prior to Human Skin Fibroblast growth. Additionally surface characterization with SEM and XPS provided topography and chemistry information on the top-most layers. Subsequent video-microscopy growth data indicates an extraordinary correlation between a regime of homogeneous negative surface charge profiles and confluent HSF films. Indeed the optimum growth surface displays two dimensional charge transport characteristics. Up to now little work has been performed on the electrical properties of modified polymers due to the difficulties in obtaining accurate surface potential data. The SKP features a truly noninvasive charge imaging measurement mode and we anticipate many future applications both in monitoring biomaterials and biological interfaces. @FootnoteText@ @footnote 1@I. Baikie, P.J.S. Smith, D.M. Porterfield and P.J. Estrup, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 70, 1842 (1999).